Preheating installation in boilers for quick heating and steaming



Nov. 30, 1948. R. H. ROBINSON 2,455,192

PREHEATING INSTALLATION IN BOILERS FOR QUICK HEATING AND STEAMING Filed July 27, 1942 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 R. H. ROBINSON PREHEATING INSTALLATION IN BOILERS FOR Nov. 30 1948.

QUICK HEATING AND STEAMIN G Filed July 27. 1942 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Nov. 30, 1948.. R. H. ROBINSON 2,455,192

' PREHEATING' INSTALLATION IN BOILERS FOR QUICK HEATING AND STEAMING 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed July 27, 1942 R. H. ROBINSON 2,455,192 PREHEATING INSTALLATION IN BOILERS FOR v QUICK HEATING AND STEAMING Filed July 27, 1942 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 224 Imfenifiv Patented Nov. 30, 1948 PREHEATING INSTALLATION IN BOILERS FOR QUICK HEATING AND STEAMIN G Roy H. Robinson, Chicago, Ill.

Application July 27, 1942, Serial No. 452,482

8 Claims. 1

This invention relates to auxiliary heating elements in boilers and heating plants, disclosed in my co-pending application Serial No. 145,058, filed May 27, 1937, maturing August 4, 1942, into Patent No. 2,291,921, and to improved and varied methods of forming, fabricating and installing same.

One of the prime objects of my invention is to improve the efficiency of my pre-heating units which make possible the quick production and circulation of steam in a heating plant and particularl without waiting to raise the temperature of the main body of water in the boiler to the steaming point, resulting in saving of fuel, quicker and more satisfactory heating, and increase in the heating capacity and efficiency of the boiler.

A further and particular object of my invention is to minimize the labor and time required in the field in installing these pro-heating or presteaming units in boilers in operation by designing them in a novel and improved way so that they can be produced in assembled multiple batteries in the factory at greatly reduced cost and in mass and standardized production and the actual field work of installation, which is pro portionately much more expensive than factory bench and assembly line work,- reduced to a fraction of that heretofore required. In this way the shutting down of heating plants in operationwhile the pre-heating elements are installed, is similarly reduced to a fraction of the previous time required and that important obstacle overcome.

A further object of my invention is to provide novel means for forming my tubular elements to secure enhanced strength and durability as well as simple fabrication.

Still another object is to provide new means for overcoming the difiiculties heretofore inherent to overhead welding.

These and many other objects and advantages of my invention will be better understood by referring to the following specification when. considered in connection with the accompanying drawings illustrating certain embodiments thereof in which Fig. 1 is a transverse sectional elevation on the line ll of Fig. 2 through the firebox of a typical boiler showing the installation of pro-steaming batteries.

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional elevation of same on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is afragmentary plan of same showing the firebox. 1

Fig. 5 is a side elevation of same, withoutrail way unions 33b, 23c and 21a. g I

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary front elevation of a modified form of .pre-steaming battery unit. in position in the firebox in conjunction with the refractory intercepting wall.

Fig. 7 is a front elevation of a modified form of a pro-steaming battery unit attached to the crown sheet of the firebox.

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary elevation taken on the line 8--8 of Fig. 9 showing the welded connection of the battery tubular frame of Fig. 4 to the overhead crown sheet of the fire box..,

Fig. 9 is a cross section of same taken on the line 9-9 of Fig. 8.

Fig. 10 is a cross section of the battery tubular frame connection of Fig. '7 taken on the line Fig. 11 is a fragmentary longitudinal elevation of a modified form of pre-steaming batter installed in a modified form of boiler.

Fig. 12 is a transverse sectional elevation of. same taken on the line .l2--I2 of Fig. 11 through.

the front end of the firebox.

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectiona elevation showing battery units installed in a firebox of a modified type of boiler in combination with a modified form of intercepting refractory wall. i

Fig. 14 is a fragmentary transverse sectional elevation of same taken through the front end of the firebox 0n the line 14-44 of Fig. 13.

Fig. 15 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional elevation showing a modified form of pre-steaming battery installation in a modified form of boiler with a modified form of intercepting refractory wall. v

Fig. 16 is a fragmentary transverse sectional elevation taken through the front end of thefirebox of a typical boiler with a modified form of pre-steaming battery installation.

Fig. 17 is a fragmentary side elevation of a modified form of pre-steaming battery unit with protected tubing. M

Fig. 17a is a fragmentary perspective of fin and protective armor for tubing employed in Fig. 17.

.Fig. 18 is a front elevation of a modified form of pre-steaming battery unit attached to a crownsheet.

Fig. 19 is a cross section of the tubular frame taken on the line l9i9 of Fig. 18.

Fig. 20 is a fragmentary cross section on the line 20-20 of Fig. 18 indicating construction of the lower tubular frame member of units of the type of Fig. 18 and modified form of coil finning for the battery coil tubing.

Fig. 21 is a cross section, showing a modified form of a tubular frame of the type of Fig. 20.

Fig. 22 is a fragmentary perspective of a modified form of finning and multi-walled construction for tubing of the heating coils or tubular frame members.

Fig. 23 is a fragmentary perspective of another modified form of finning and multi-walled construction for tubing of the heating coils or tubular frame members.

Fig. 24 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional elevation through the firebox of a boiler, show ing a modified form of installing pre-steaming battery units.

Fig. 25 is a fragmentary plan showing a modified form of tubular battery frames in a firebox.

Fig. 26 shows a side elevation of a modified form of a pre-steaming battery unit attached to a crownsheet.

Fig. 2'7 is a fragmentary side elevation of a modifiedform of pre-steaming coil with multiwalled and finned tubing protection.

Fig. 28 is a cross section ofsame taken on the line 2828 of Fig. 2'7.

Fig. 29 is a cross section of multi-walled and finned tubing used in the coil of Figs. 27 and 28.

Fig. 30 is a cross section of a modified form of multi-walled tubing for the .pre-steaming coils or pre-heating tubular frames of the battery units. i

Referring to the drawings in detail, Figs. 1 and a 2 show cross sections of a typical boiler of the horizontal type in common use in heating plants for apartments and other buildings. The water and steam compartments I and 2, respectively,

is formed by the outer steel shell 3 and the inner steel lining of the firebox formed by the crown sheet 4 and the side walls 5, connected at the back with the boiler tubes 6. The water 1 covers the crown sheet for a few inches as noted in the customary practice. formed, in the case of hand firing, by a grate but in this instance I show an underfeed coal stoker now quite commonly installed for the modern operation of such heating plants. This has a fire pot 8 spaced away from the side walls 5 and centered on the longitudinal axis of the firebox. The coal 8a is fed into the firepot by a screw feed 9, and forced draft is delivered through the tuyeres, I 8, the stoker being automatically operated in most instances and preferably by a pressurestat II, which is set to stop the operation of the coal feed and forced air draft when the steam pressure reaches a point for which the pressurestat is set and to start same again when the pressure falls to another set point. The stoker can similarly be automatically operated by a thermostat or an aquastat, or time clock, or a combination of any or all of such or other automatic control devices. The firebox is entered through the customary firing door 12.

In order to obtain the greatest and increased efficiency I preferably introduce in the typical firebox, as already noted in my aforesaid copending application Serial No. 145,058 (Patent The floor of the firebox is essity, a vacuum pump IT is added to draw the steam through the system through the piper l8, and the return water returns to the boiler through the pipe E9. The steam passes into the heating system through the outlet 20 and a check valve 2|, if desired, is provided to control same and retain the steam in the heating lines during the rest periods in the steam generation.

Within the firebox, as noted, I introduced my pre-steaming batteries 22 formed of a plurality of quick heating elements 22a preferably in the form of specially formed coils fabricated out of copper or other suitable metal or alloy having high conductivity. This battery of quick heating and pre-steaming elements is carried in a supporting tubular frame 23 which preheats and supplies the water from the Water jacket to the battery elements and conducts the steam or heated water from the same to the steam chamber or to the uppermost portion of the water in the water jacket. In my preferred form, as one of the novel features of my invention, the tubular frame 23' is suspended from the crown sheet by a stemmed stirrup form which necessitates the cutting of but a single hole in the crown sheet to install an entire battery of the presteaming elements, Whereas normally each coil or heating element requires an individual outlet and intake opening, cut in the side walls of the firebox walls, thus requiring in the field work installation the cutting of twelve holes for six coils and the corresponding number of fitting connections and their expensive welding in place, whereas one of my six coil battery units requires only one such operation, and three units of six coils each can be installed with but three holes as compared with the otherwise normal thirty- SlX.

Also it should be particularly noted that in the past it has been necessary in installing such coils in the field to provide, first, special bushings or receptacles welded into the boiler walls after cutting holes for same and then to screw into these special couplings in the form of expensive railroad unions (as designated in the trade) which in turn have to connect with brass connections known in the trade as adapters which in turn must first be brazed to the coil ends. In my novel prefabricated factory assembled batteries, by contrast, practically all this can be done away with, eliminating the railroad unions, when desired, and the greater part of the other fittings and permitting the copper coils 22a to be directly connected into the tubular frame 23 by factory assemblage with improved and varied methods of inexpensive mass production including single operation brazing not applicable to, or possible in field installations.

The number and size of the battery units installed in the firebox is optional and determined by the size of the boiler, firebox, radiation to be served, etc. In a preferred form, however, as indicated in Figs. 1, 2 and 3, I employ three batmixing exit hole I4. I preferably converge the I two longitudinal batteries somewhat towards each other as they approach the back end of the firebox as indicated and as more clearly shown in Fig. .3, and my single stem tubular stirrup suspension frame 23 permits of so rotatin-gthe battery unit frame in the fieldinstallatiomprior to welding in place, as to readily adjust and set these to the desired converging angles.

As will be noted, in my preferred form I novelly constructmy individual coils 22a, so that they are relativelylonggand comparatively narrow. This novelgdesign for this purposeand use has a number ofdistinfct advantages. First, it ispossible to install a larger number" of coil units within the longitudinal length of the stirrup because of the narrowed widthof the coils. Second, it permits of a fewer number of and more easily formed turns in the coil for the same length of tubing and provides greater efiiciency,-because a greater'length of the coil, and. so a greater area of metal, is exposed in the bottomof the coil and neare'rthe fire where the greatest amount of heat is absorbed. More particularly, however, in addition to permitting the use of a greater length of tubing, and so securing a greater heating area, it permits lowering the height'of the coils so that a relatively shallow unit offewer turns is madepossible, with thesame or greater amount of heating area, thus permittingthe building-of a factory pre-assembled battery unit which can be introducedintothe firebox for-installation through-the limited dimensions of the firebox door of a boiler'and have at the same time greater heating area. This makes feasible this improved method of manufacture and installation while at the same time increasing theeificiency of the coil itself. In this connection it should be realized that thisextra efficiency is also procured through this coil having a. greatly increased cross sectional fire base as compared r with the customary taller coil with its'smaller circular firebase. By fire base. I mean thehorizontal cross sectional area overhanging the firebed and rising combustion gases." It will be understood that as these burning-gases rise and contact the pre-heatingcoils they are hottest'ori tliir firstcontactwith the said coils and consequently become cooled thereby as they pass on upward and outward; In consequence of this obvious action my long shallow coils :have a'much-greater per-' centage jof their tubing exposed to the first and hottest contact-of thesefgases-and the same may be saidof the radiant heat waves so that the coils" absorb a much greater percentage of heat and at amuch more rapid rate.

.For,thesamereason-I also preferably tilt my jected heatrays .contact to a. greater. extent the.

5'. are less susceptible to deleterious cooling and the length of each superimposed coil turn with the minimum amount of baffle obstruction and at a more abrupt angle so as to produce the least deflection and the greatest amount of heat absorption. These arrangements can, of course, be greatly varied to suit special wants and where it is desired to facilitate the draft and accelerate the rate of flow of the gases I may tilt t e coils towards the backend of the firebox (as shown in Fig. 13) rather than towards front end as shown in Fig. 2. I also preferably set the coil units diagonally in thei stirrup frames as indicated and more clearly seen in Fig. 3, so that their formation is en echelon with the result that the step formation so secured exposes each coil to a greater contact with the onward traveling burning gases and heat waves andtraps same against the offset coil ends which in this way are not so much baffled by the adjoining coils, as would otherwise be the case. By slanting my elongated coils diagonally within the frames 23', as shown,-I am also able to confine them within-a narrower space and so better to space them away from the chilling sides of the water jacket of the firebox and also expose a.

longer area of coil closer to the fire and combustion core with correspondingincrease of heating efliciency. While the coils may also be built with uniform dimensions for the several turns so that their sides are straight up and down, as indicated in Figs. 1, 2 and 3, another desirable form is shown in subsequent Figs. 27 and28, where I pro-- In suspending the longitudinal battery units 22 in the firebox, I locate them approximately on the border of the main combustion zone or just outside the main core of the burning gases traveling from the firepot toward, and having its path largely determined by, theexit opening I 4, so as to secure a maximum amount, of heat absorption without too severelycooling or interfering with the com- At the same time I space'them away as far as possible from the side" bustion of the escaping gases.

walls of the water jacket of the firebox so as to avoid, as faras possible, the'cooling effects of same. may be positioned parallel with each other and the corresponding'sides of the firepot, and approximately directly above sides of same, or as adjacent thereto'as the gas combustion core properly per mits, I preferably slightly converge the opposing frames 23' toward each other as more clearly I noted in Fig. 3. This widens and facilitatesaccess to the front end of the firebox for hand firing of garbage, papers, rubbish, etc.,' commonlyso burned; -and.likewisegflprotects the coils at this point from injuryby their being'set further apart andout of the way at'the front or doorend of the firebox. This also 'isbetterfor thecombustion at this'front-end of the firepot where-the fireis which, accordingly, should be subjected to coil" cooling more gradually and at a greater dis tance. Furthermore, this arrangement gives standing and working space and access at thefront of the firebox for workmen-cleaning or making repairsin the firebox. As the combustion gets further under way as the burning gases proceed toward the back of the firebox and the exit l4, they Also, while the longitudinal frames 23" is happily accomplished by this preferred converging-setup of my stirrups and this arrangement so serves several desirable purposes. By pivoting my frames 23' on a single stem connection, as already noted, I am able in installing same in the firebox to rotate same before final welding in place, so as to secure quickly, easily and exactly just the desired convergence as determined by the size, shape and conditionsof the firebox of the particular boiler in which the installation is being made.

While in many cases only the two longitudinal battery units of Figs. 1, 2 and 3 will be installed in a firebox, where space permits and it is desired to still further increase the efiiciency and capacity of the boiler,'as already noted, I install the third battery unit shown, transversely of the firebox beyond the longitudinal units and in proximity to'the exit opening M, over which it is centered, preferably directly above same, as shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3. The flow of the burning gases can be regulated and diverted upward as they travel toward the back of the firebox by means of the damper and fiy draught controls l6 and Mia. By this means, particularly the opening of the fly lfio, the burning gasesproiected by the forced draught from the tuyeres H], can be made to rise more vertically and thus forced upward, against and through the coils to any desired degree and angle. Passing through the coils of the side longitudinal batteries in this way these burning gases loop downward as they travel onward and in turn pass through the coils of this third and transverse battery unit above the exit opening it for which they are headed. At this point this portion of the escaping gases and air meets, collides and mixeswith the burning and other gases coming fromthe sides and bottom of the firebox and the direct superheated burning gas core coming directly from the nearby and hottest end of the firepot. All these gases and air, hot and cold, meeting at this approach to the exit opening 14, become mixed. and compressed: as they are forced and drawn through the relatively small exit opening. In this way the superheated gases, assisted by the heat of the compression and the new combustion now set up, together with the radiant heat from the refractory intercepting wall I3, tend to raise the temperature of the possibly incompletely burnt gaseschilled by contact with the preheating coils, so that these gases together with any cold air blown from airholes in the firebed are largely brought to the combustion point before escaping into the flue chamber, and a maximum of combustion efficiency and a minimum of smoke so secured.

In Fig. 3a I show a novel form of tubing which can be used in forming my heating elements or coils 22a Where it is desired to give the copper gauge of metal than-would otherwise be used in the regular tubing. Over this I form an outer wall 220 of protective'metal particularly suited to resist the destructive and deteriorating exposure encountered in the firebox. This outer resistant wall 220 is metallically or molecularly united to the inner wall 22b and is also preferably of thin gauge or thickness and no greater-than that required to insure the proper protective re- It should also have as high heat consistance. ductivity as may be possible for metal having the necessary resistant properties which are the first consideration; however, in this outer protective wall. To supply this structure a light tube or jacket of iron, steel, alloy, or other suitable protective metal can he slipped or wrapped tightly over the inner copper or high conductive tube and the two can be metallically united by light heat conductive silver solder or other brazing material. This can be advantageously done by shrinking the outer tube 220 on to the inner tube 22?), with and intermediate infinitesimally thin layer 22d, of the brazing metal by means of my brazing process disclosed in my Patent No. 1,930,285, issued October 10, 1933. In the case of my coiled heatingelements the tube wall can be formed in this wayin the straight and subsequently coiled. The multi-walled structure in this or equivalent form can extend the entire length of the tubing but where desired only those portions of the tubingv or coil which are more intensively exposed to the fiame, heat and combustion attack, need be so constructed, as for example, the lowest or bottom turn of the coil or the portions of the upper turns more particularly exposed or closest to the fire such as the turns at the end of the coil which directly overhang the fire in various cases and so may be more in need of the protective or plural wall. The remainder of coil tubing not seriously subjected to such attack can be of the single wall or regular conventional tubing. It should be particularly noted that my construction permits of applying the multi-wall or thickened wall at separate and specific intermediate points anywhere along the length of the coil or tubular heating element, leaving the other portions bare or thinner for faster heat absorption as desired. This operation can be completed before bending of the tubing where same is bent, or the jacket element 25 canbe stamped to the curvature and added after such tubing is bent.

Other modified forms of my multi-walled tubes will be subsequently described. In all of these an important feature is the elimination of pitting and pit hole weaknesses which might otherwise develop a leak in a single or the inner tube Wall. Where such weaknesses are present the stratification so to speak of my tube walls in several distinct layers metallically jointed and, as in various cases, of difierent metals, prevents the wall being punctured by such pitting inherent and developing in the single wall layer.

In Fig. 3b is shown a method of finning the bottom or sides of conventional tubing of copper or the like for use in my coils or quick heating elements 2211 or for my tubular frames 23, etc.,

which also'serves as a prolonger of the life of the tubing as well as an absorber, distributor and equalizer of the heat, providing greater efficiency of the coil or water heating element, In this instance the fin 25 is stamped out of flat sheet metal so'as to' form the projecting arms 25a which are folded outward in the stamping and then in attaching the fin to the tubular member, as 22b, are clinched aroundsame as noted and the two opposing metal walls so formed, metallically and molecularly united in the brazing bath by the brazin 22d. These fins or other similar ones can also be formed and applied in modified forms and to either the desired parts ofthe coils or quick heating elements 22a or to any desired parts of the tubular preheatingmembers or frames, as 23", and some of these modified forms for such purposes will be subsequently noted as in Figs. 22, 23, 29, etc. As in the case of Fig. 3a, the protective fin elements 25 of Fig. 3b can be of special heat and combustion resisting metal such as suitable ferrous, ferrous alloy or other metal, while the tube 221: can be of high heat conductive copper or other metal. Likewise, the arrangement can be just the reverse or the tube and fin can be of the same metal emphasizing either heat conductivity or combustion resistance, as the case may be.

r Figs. 4 and 5 show a battery unit 22 of the type employed in Figs. 1, 2 and 3. As shown in Figs. 4 1 to 5, the frame of a battery unit is formed of an inlet tube 23 and an outlet tube 21.

The inlet tube 23 is formed in a loop with the ends pr0- jecting upward and this loop is united with the outlet tube 21 of inverted T shape, to form a right angled parallelogram having two long horizontal sides and two short vertical sides. A plurality of coils 220. are connected between the head of the inverted T and the lower portion of the tube 23. The upper end of the tube 2'! and the two upper ends of the tube 23 are brought together and secured in a hole in the crown sheet as shown in Figs. 8 and 9. Water enters the upper ends 23 of tube 23, passes down through the frame and up through the coils to be discharged through tube 21 as water or steam, into the, water or steam chambers. While the construction of these units can be greatly varied in design; and materials used, in this instance, the supporting frame 23 is formed of pipe or tubing shaped with elbow connections, as noted, to form a containing stirrup frame within which the pre-steamingcoil elements 22a are installed and supported with their lower intake ends connected to the lower portion of the intake tube 23 by the connections it. Through these connections 24 the inlet pipe 23 feeds the hottest water taken from above the crown sheet, into the coils 22a. and pre-heats this water as it passes through the framework to the said coils. To further increase this preheating,

the tubes 23 are preferably provided with heating fins 25 brazed or otherwise formed or attached on the tube 23 as noted. After the preheated water from tube 23 passes into the presteaming copper coils 22a, it is raised to the steaming point and passes out through the outlet connections 26 into the outlet tube 21 which is T -shaped and 1 leads through the crown sheet into the steam chamber and above the waterover the crown sheet, delivering the steam through its outlet 28 directly into the steam chamber 2. In thisway.

' I also provide in the outlet tube 21 a water intake and outlet opening 29 below the water line so that when the battery coils 220. are not steaming, they -can circulate hot water through the frame 23' and deliver same into the water jacket through this auxiliary outlet 29. This keeps up circulation and continual heating of the water in the coils 220. while the fire is banked or heating between running operations. On theother hand, when the steaming temperature is reached in the coilsjthe water is forced out of theoutlet tube 21 and the greater pressure of the steam keeps the water out at 29 and delivers the steam through the outlet 28 in a continuous flow without it having to pass through the chilling water of the water jacket;

The outlet tubeZI is preferably joined to the two ends of the'tube 23 by enveloping copper straps 30 (see Fig.- 4) which are brazed around the adjacent tubes 23 and 21 as noted. The intake and outlet connections 24 and 26 of the coils 22a can be of any desired type, but I preferably form these from-heavy sheet copper withdrawn 1 flanged collars 24a and 26a (Fig. 4) which closely t'eries of "coils, connections and framework are assembled in their related positions, the entire structure can bebrazed in one operation so as 'tob'e integrallyunited' in a strong steam-tight structure. In the sameoperation'the fin can be brazed to the pipe or tube 23 when not integrally formed on same. This fin, as already described in connection with Fig. 3b; can be formed of heavy sheet copper stamped with cuts to form slotted bent out feet or arms 25a along its edge which arebe'nt to clamp on to the pipe'23 and become brazed to same in the brazing operation. This formation of my tubular frame structure permits of the use of different metal in the fin from that of the tube itself and, asalready pointed out, where desired, the fin 25 can be formed of iron steel, alloy or other metal more durable-under combustion exposure than copper, while the tube 23 itself can still be formed of high heat conductive copper or the combination may be exactly the opposite, i. e., iron or steel tube or pipe and copperfin. My novel arrangement so permits of a wide variety of metals in varied combinations to best suit the particular needs of the situation.

Where it is desired to further improvethe efiicien'cy of the coils as well as protect and strengthen same'and provide supporting stiffeners in addition, I similarly 'braze cross fins 3| to the 'coils, as indicated -in Fig. 5, and these can be in *any desired number and on any desired spacing.

These can also besimilarly stamped out of sheet copper with extending feet or arms 3|a which are "bent to clinch-6n the copper tubing of the coils and become brazed to same in the general brazing operation. Byprojecting these substantially below and under the' lowest turn or bottom of the ooil, as indicated, Iso novelly'p'rovide protective rneansfor taking the too sudden or intense shock of the flame off "the lower turn of the copper tubing, most vulnerablyexposed to same, while at "the 'same'ti ne, by so; absorbing the super-heat by conductive transmission to the upper turns of the coil, I equalize the heat distribution so as to further protect the lower coil turn from disproportionate metal' strain and deterioration which ,closest to the fire or the burning gas core. 1 for the same reason when desired, attach similar fins can be applied at desired spaced apart intervals in any preferred number and on all sides or 1 any sides of the coil, but in the simpler form I attach them only on sides or portions of the sides I also,

copper heat distributing fin 25 with the clinched and brazed arms 250. along the bottom of the lowest coil turn to absorb and. distribute the heat over a greater area and thereby protect the lower tubing closest to the fire from too localized shock as already described in connection with Fig. 3b.

The coil units 220. are preferably connected at 24 on the back side of the supporting tube 23 in relation to the fire and away from same so that they are shielded from the hottest and most direct flame shock by the cooling tube 23. This supporting tube member 23 can be, as already noted, of either iron or steel or, where greater conductivity is desired, of copper or copper alloy, and is of heavier'wall thickness than the tubes of the battery coils. Being filled with the colder water ,comingto the coils and being placed below the lower turn of the coils and so closer tothe fire, this tube member 23 creates a cooling and shock absorbing zone underneath the coil batteries for dissipating the fire shock and so protects the more delicate and lighter walls of the lowest turn of the coils, thereby further preserving the life of the metal. I

The metal fins 25 attached or formed on the tubing 23, serve a similarpurposein absorbing the flame and heat shock and absorbing and distributing the heat into the preheating tube 23'. The fin25 can be attached to the tubing 23 in any desired number at radiating angles. In its simpler form, however, shown in Figs. 4, 5, etc., only a single fin is shown, but I do not so limit the construction. This'fin is preferably formed out of heavy copper sheet stamped to form the cut feet 2511 on one edge which are bent outwardly in opposite directions and clinched around the pipe 23 and brazed thereto in the general brazing operation of the entire frame. The fins so formed and attached to the supporting tube 23, serve the multiple purpose of strengthening and stiffening the supporting tube 23, conducting a greater amount of heat, more evenly distributing it, for

. the preheating of the water therein and finally giving further protection against fire shock to the metal walls of the tube 23. With this fin stiffening and protection the tube 23 can be made of copper instead of iron or steel, when'desired, thus multiplying the heat absorption of the tube many times because of the greatly superior conductivity Also the fin ,25 can be made of When desired and particularly if the copper tubing is used for the pipe.member 23 of the stirrup frame 23, the corner elbow connections 23b can be omitted and the stirrup frame formed out of a'continuous piece of copper tubing bent to form the complete stirrup, In doing this instead of right angle turns the endor side portions of the frame are curved to suitable loops and the applied fin 25, providing a flange formation as it does, supplies the necessary rigidity for preventing the frame sagging or losing its shape. Where a still greater'rigidity is wanted this fin can be formed of steel sheet, as already noted. The outlet tube 21, receiving the steam from the coil outlets as 26a and delivering it into the steam cha'niber at 28, is preferably made of copper for greater conducitivity and heat absorption. This, however, also can be made of steel or iron if desired.

The stirrup frames 23 can be designed and constructed in a great variety of ways other than described herein without departing from the spirit of this invention and in subsequent figures I will show still further desirable forms for same although my invention is not restricted to any one of these. Where it is desired to have the battery units 22, as in Fig. 4, etc., removable from the firebox at any time, or where installation requirements dictate, the tubular frame can be provided with a railway union 3% in the suspension connection 33, as indicated, or instead, railway unions 23c and 21a may be provided lower down on the frame tubes 23 and 2i, respectively, all as indicated in Fig. 4, etc., it being understood that any or all of these railway unions or equivalent connections may be omitted when so preferred and as indicated in other figures.

In Fig. 6 the stirrup frame 23' is formed to a curvingfisegment in combination with a curved segment brick arch for the gas exit opening [4. These curved stirrup forms radiate the coils of the battery in relation to the core of the fire and likewise the exit opening so as to approximate an equalization of radial spacing from same. The curved formation is also advantageous in giving a particularly strong supporting frame designed to especially resist sagging under heating strains. Where it is found that the extending frame stem of the battery unit 22 interferes with introducing the unit through the firebox door, or where it is desired to have the battery unit 22 readily removable from the firebox at any time, railway union connections can be provided for the tubes 23 and 2'1, the same as in Fig. 4, as indicated at 23c and 21a, or 331). Similarly, when it is desired to have the individual battery coils 22a removable from the stirrup frame at any time, these also can be provided with individual railway unions adjacent the connections 24 and 26, on any of the frames.

While in my preferred form in forming my battery units 22a I use copper or high conductive tubing in coiled form-the coiling of which can 4 be arranged in a great variety of shapesI do not limit my'pre-steaming elements to coil forms alone and when desired may use other hollow or tubular shapes as, for instance, straight fin tubes as disclosed in my pending application Ser. No. 145,058 (Patent No. 2,291,921), or other desirable formations in lieu of the coiled elements. Because'of the greater lineal feet or radiation area that can be compacted into a limited space, in most instances, however, I prefer forming my units in coiled formation, the shapes of which can be greatly varied to best suit the needs of the situation.

In Fig. 7 is shown a modified form of connecting the battery frame to the overhead crown sheet-'where'it is desired to support the frame from both ends rather than merely from the center. This arrangement of the connections of the battery unit divides the load and places it on the crown sheet adjacent to the supporting steel side I 5 of the firebox at the one end and the interceptvarious sides joined at any suit-able angles pari-t, r1 ticularly when suspended in other than a level {position as "indicated in Fig. 2 and elsewhere, where itis desired to so relate the frame position to theburning gas'core in the firebox so as to "more nearly: parallel same to the rising core or 'ina'in path or hottest part of the fire, the cumulative heat of which increases as it approaches the exitwopening l4. 'As indicated, the crownsheet -c'onnections 33 can be" provided with railway connections'33b for the frame of Fig. '7, the same as in Fig. 4," etc., "when' itis desired to have the battery unit easily removable orhandled separately in installation. a

Figs. 8 and 9 refer to the details of the con- :struction of the intake and outlet openings for theframes 23. The intake tubes 23 and the 1 outlet tube 21 are embraced and united as they approach the crown sheet 4 within an iron or .--steel collar 33. The tubes are pressure shaped "or deformed as they approach the embracing i, collar so as topass'through and fit together within 'samepas indicated in cross sectional Fig. 9.

I 'Irrsuch position they are solidly brazed together {:fllld to the co11ar=as shown by the brazing 34 so as to format solid and watertight connection. 'When the stirrup frame 23 is set in place in the field an aperture 35 is first cut in the crown sheet 4 to admit the collar 33. The collar is provided with a projecting flange as and this preferably slants slightly downward toward the wall of 33 as indicated in Figure 8. In setting the 4 battery unit in place in the firebox, this flange -36 isposition ed slightly below the lower surface of the crown sheet 4 to provide a welding slot j-oIf pocket between the two. The purpose of this --and this novel connection is to do away with the difiiculty heretofore met-in overhead welding. It is a well known fact that overhead welding is difficult and undesirable because the molten metal; tends to fall away under the force of gravity. My flange connection 36, however,

spaced away from the crown sheet, providing 4 as it does a horizontal welding pocket permits the are electric welding metal 31 to be readily deposited in thispocket with the same case as in the case of an ordinary horizontal or vertical weld (as distinct from the much more difiicult ,andyery troublesome over-head weld which would otherwise be encountered) and in this way the battery unit is quickly and tightly welded in i place in the shortest possible time and with a minimum of expense. It will be'notcdv in this connectionthat the inward slope of the flange 36, forming the welding slot, tends to cause the momentarily molten welding metal to run or draw inward instead of outward in the welding pocket in building up on, the supporting base provided by 36. In order to hold the welding collar connection 33, with or without the balance pf'the battery tubular frame attached toysame,

' while welding to the crownsheet, I also prefer- In cutting the aperture 35 in the crownsheet to 7 receive 33, proper side slots are also cut to receive these projecting lugs 35a so that after slipping the lugs through these slots, a slight rotation of 33 engages the supporting lugs-on top I of the crownsheet." In forming-the frame 23 for the battery units, where the stem is long, anadditional embracing collar band 33a can be added'further down below the welding collar 33 as shown in Fig. 4, etc., and brazed to the tubes 23 and 21 so as to strongly secure and unite same. In Fig. is shown a cross section on theline Io-.- Iu 0f Fig: 7.. "In thisarrangement the pre- "heatingandwater supply tube 23 and the steam outlet tube 21 arefiattened on opposing sides as j they approach'the circular welding collar 33 so as to form semicircles which are brazed into the .collar 33 andto each other by the brazing 34 as noted.

'1 .Figs. 11 and .12 show a common type of boiler i'i'nuse having what is known as a down draft firebox with an upper grate formed of tubes 38 centers and connected with a header tube 39 at extending across the firebox 0n spaced apart one end and the water leg wall 5 at the other'end so as to circulate the water through same. The firebox is built extra deep for the use of under- "feed stokers and-oil burners. In Fig. 11 the boiler is equipped with 'oil burner 40 which is located on the central'longitudinal axis of the firebox and discharges against-the corbelled firebrick baffle wall 4|. firebox for'useeitherwith an underfeed stoker or the oil burner indicated to my pre-steaming coils in any one of 'ayariety of'ways.

"11 and 121 form my intercepting wall 13 by ,.building up the bafile l3'a'on the header tube 39.

In this-instance I readily adapt this In Figs.

I then form my exit opening aperture 14 by closingin the sides between the corbelled wall 4| and theupperrbafile wall l3awith firebrick "slabs'or other suitable refractory material l3b, leaving the exit opening in the center directly under the header'tube 39.

battery of coilsdirectly on certain selected tubes I thenmount my of the grate tubes '38 inwhioh I cut the proper connection holesand weld bushing or receptacle connections thereto with railway unions'which are joined to the inlets 24 of the battery tubes 22a. Where the firebox is built especially deep I for theuse of under feed stokers and oilburners as is now donein-more recent models I preferably' mount the battery coils 22a in tilted rows arched directly over the firepot in the case of the stoker installation, or directly over the path of the projected-burning oil in the case of the oil burner installation as indicated in Figs. 11 and 12 0perative1y connected to the tubes 38 on which they are supported. In doing this I preferably remove the central group of the water 1 tubes, as 38', 'plugging their connection holes.

I then connect my coils 22a into the overhead steam receiving tube Z'l, the outlet of which extends upward through the crown sheet 4 after the manner of my other coil frames. This is provided with the welding-collar 33 which is jointed by the weld 31 to the crown sheet as already described. In this conventional type of boiler, the gases escaping-to the exit opening i4 into the back chamber of the firebox so formed by the refractory brick work which I set up in the firebox, as described, pass outward, first through the boiler tubes 6 and then reverse and pass back through the tubes 6a located in the water compartment about the firebox crown sheet and escape into the stack at l5. 1

Preferably in order to deliver the, steam from the pre-steaming coils 22a directly to the steam chamber 2 in this type of boiler, I extend the outlet tube 21 upward from the crown sheet between the fiues Ba to 'a point above the water line.

If necessary, to facilitate the slipping of the1,extended tube outlet 27 in place between the overhead tubes, I flattenthis where theboiler. tubes bustion core.

*2 a may be spaced on :close centers so requiring. 1- Under this arrangement the flames and heat dis- 1 chargecl'by the oil burner onto the baflie wall 4| are thrownbackward in the customary manner and projected upward toward and against and in part through the overhanging coils 22a as the main core of the burning-gases passes out through the exit opening [4 which mixes together and compresses the hot and cold or cooling gases meetingin their exit from allparts of the firebox, thereby raising the temperature and restoring the "combustion to the unburnt gases and those'cooled in their contact with and heating of the battery coils 22a. The water feeding the battery coils is circulated from the water jacket and is prei 38 are located nearer the firebox bed as in the case of older type down draft boilers which do not provide the same head room for combustion above the firebed, it may be found desirable to locate the battery coils 220. on selected grate tubes 38 which are nearer the sides of the firebox and where they are located on the edge of the main firecore but preferably still substantially spaced away from the cooling water jacket so far as possible. In such a case a larger number of the centrally placed, over grate tubes 38 are preferably removed from directly above the fire between the opposing batteries 22 which are preferably tilted toward each other and so as to overhang the rising gases or the forward traveling com- If in such arrangement it is not found desirable to connect the coils in their outlets26 to an overheadsteam discharge 21, they can be connected directly to holes and railway connections formed and attached to the shell of the water jacket, but this is not as desirable in so much as it requires additional field work and delivers the steam directly into the water chamber instead of directly into the steam chamber. Where twin oil-burners are used, as in larger boilers, symmetrically disposed on either side of the central axis of the firebox, a duplicate set of the battery setup, instead of a single setup, as shown in Figs; 11 and 12, can be similarly providecl and similarly located for each oil burner axis and correspondingly two exit openings I4 instead of one are similarly provided- -and on each-oil burner axis. The same duplicate arrangement can be made should two underfeed firepots be similarly installed in the firebox.

Figs. 13 and 14 show a boiler similar to that of Figs. 11 and 12, with the exception that the downdraft grate tubes 38 are omitted. In this case I suspend my pre-steaming battery frames 23' in the firebox as noted after the manner of Figs. 1, 2 and 3, only in this instance I show the battery coils 22a located in the two longitudinal frames,

tilted toward the exit opening l4 rather than away from it. Under this arrangement the heated burning gases recoiling from the bafile wall 4! in part pass upward through the overhead coils 22a towards and down through the transverse unit 22 located directly over the exit l4. This arrangement can of course be varied at will.

In Fig. 15 is shown a boiler somewhat similar to that of Figs. 11 and 13 with the exception that stoker, is at rest.

the header or cross tube 39 is omitted from'tli boiler and the boiler is fired from an oil burner from the rear instead of from the front of the firebox as noted. The fire from the oil burner in this instance is projected on the front bailie wall 42 built in the firebox. At the back of the boiler on the front edge of the corbelled wall 4| I build my intercepting wall l3 with the exit opening I located on the central longitudinal axis of the oil burner. The same arrangements can of course be made for an underfeed firepot. Above the path of the burning gases proceeding off the baifle wall 42 upward and to the exit opening I4 I suspend a plurality of battery .units 23, preferably of the arched form shown in Fig. 6, the arched formation being conformed to the main core of the burning gases so as to absorb amaximum amount of heat without serious interference with the combustion which is finally and completely consummated in passing through the compression exit opening l4. While any number of these battery units 22 can be so employed and so set up transversely in the firebox, in this instance I show three, the front one being preferably set closer to the firebed than the next one and so on at progressively greater distances from the firebed.

In Fig. 16 is shown a boiler arrangement in which the intake 23 and outlets 28 and 29 are particularly arranged in relation to each other so as to circulate the water and produce steam by progressively stepping up the temperature of the uppermost layer of water in the water chamber so as to produce steam while the fire, or In this instance threeof the heating units 22 are suspended from the crownsheet and located approximately longitudinally of the firebox as indicated. The frames 23' are each provided with a plurality of battery units 22 after the manner of Fig. 4, etc., the battery units preferably being formed very long in relation to their width so as to present a large heating area or base for exposure to the firebed and so absorb a large amount of radiation while the fire is resting. The coils 22a of the two side frames are tilted as noted so as to be appro ximately tangent to the firebed while the central frame carries its coils, 22a, leveled and above rangement, when the stoker is resting, the water is received from the intakes 24 of the two side frames and circulated through the coils 22a and returned at a higher temperature through the outlet holes 29. The temperature of the water at the top of the water chamber in thisway is continually raised, but not necessarily to the steaming point, due to the fire resting. The water does not have to wait in the coils, however, until it reaches a steaming point but instead keeps circulating and getting hotter and hotter in the upper strata of the water chamber. As it rises to this top level in escaping from the holes '29 it is picked up by the intake 24 of the central heating frame which in this instance is primarily a steamer as distinct from just a heater, owing to the fact that its outlet tube 2'! dis charges only at 28 in the steam chamber above the waterand is devoid of the outlet hole 29 below the water line. This steamer unit, taking the super-heated water delivered by the two side heater units, holds thiswater in its battery coils 17 until its temperature reaches the vaporizing or steaming point when it delivers the steam to the steam chamber from its outlet 28, notwithstanding the fire being in a rest period or even banked for the night. In this way it will be seen the water of the'boiler is kept under constant circulation and heating by virtue of the side frames while at the same time steam can be produced by virtue of the central frame. To facilitate this steaming, the coils 22a of the central frame are made particularly long as noted while still being kept narrow in width so that the water in the tubes lies on an excessively large heating base over the fire bed so as to absorb a maximum of heat as rapidly as possible, while by being kept narrow in width 2. large number of the coils can be mounted within the supporting frame as already pointed out. With this unique arrangement of coils and connection it will be seen that in operating a 'stroker on a pressurestat or other automatic control, the steam chamber may al ready be provided with steam when the stoker comes on. after a shutoff or rest period and so the steam pressure is raised in a much shorter period of running time 'andaccordingly the running periods abbreviated and the .rest periods prolonged, with a corresponding saving in fuel.

Fig. 1'7 shows a modified form of the type of framejindic-ated in Fig- 4. .In this instance, in-

stead of a single row of coils 22a being mounted on the frame 23', a double row of coils, as noted, is connected to the bottom member of the frame 23 and preferably tilted outward as indicated. This frame withits double row of batteries (the form and position. of which can be greatly var- :3

ied), can be used to advantage particularly in fireboxes of the type of Figs. 11 and 12, 13 and 14, and 15, where the fireboxes'are designed especially deep for the use of stoker and oil burner units so as to provide'the necessary over- 4- head combustion room above the fire. Under these conditions this double row battery unit can be vsuspended directly above the bed orpath of the fire after the manner of Fig. 12, and the battery row can be mounted one. single or double stemmed frame 23, as in Fig. 4 and Fig. 7, respectively or with the tube base 38 arrangement of Figs. 11' and. 12 or theframe arrangementof Fig. 26, or. with other modified forms. These units may also be placed in the firebox in ,any number and in any desired position as best suited to conditions. vWhere twin oil burners or otherfiringiunits are employed" in a firebox, these battery units are particularly desirable for suspending between the parallel paths of the two fire cores and each such burner and fire core can be provided with its own exit opening Hi inthe wall l3,.centered on the axis of the firing unit and core and spaced away from the water jacket shell on all sides.

In Fig. 17a is shown a special protection and finning for any of my coil units where such protection is desired to resist severe fire and combustion exposure, corrosion, etc., or where extra life of the tubing of the coils, etc., is particularly-desired. The coils in Fig. 1'7 are shown with suchspecial protection as in such case when suspended directly over the fire core, especially from an oil burner, the. quick heating tubes of copper or other suitable metal may suffer particular hardship on the surfaces most exposed and closest to the fire attack. In Fig. 17, accordingly, the bottom of the lower turn of the coil 22a is protected with a heat absorbing and equalizing fin, 25, applied or secured thereto with the protec- 18 tive and holding arms 250, which are clinched and metallically united therewith as described in the case of Fig. 3b. The faces of the remaining turns of the coil on their portions most exposed directly over the fire are protected by extra walls of metal 3lbc which are also molecularly united tothe tubing .walls'of coils 22a by brazing the contacting inetalsurfaces throughout as already described in the case of Fig. 3a, etc.

These embracing metal jackets 3lb can completely surround'the inner tubing as in the case of'Fig. 3a, but in this case I preferably only so jacket the tubing around the more exposed portion of its circumference, leaving the remaining portionnot requiring such protection in its single thin walled original form for quicker and greater absorption of the :combustion heat.

In Fig. 17a is shown how I preferably and novelly form these circumferential jackets of protective metal by combining them with a fin integrally formed and stamped out of a single piece of sheet metal. This sheet metal is folded double toxform the' fin 310, while portions of same areslottedout and bent to form the curving protective arms. 3Ib which are then bent around to clinch on and embrace the individual tubes of the coil 22a, as indicated in Fig. 1'7, to which they are applied and clinched .prior to the brazing bathwhich molecularly unites them to the tubing walls throughout. In the brazing bath the two opposing faces of the folded fin, 3Ic, are solidly filled and united with a thin wall of brazing in the slot,.3ld,.so'formed, while the extending arms 3 I b embracing the coil tubing 220. are similarly brazedtosame throughout, so as to make, a multi-walled tube for these portions of the coil which it. is desired to so especially protect; The-metal for. these fins and protective jacket extensions can be of copper, or copper alloy, the same as the coil tubing, or they may be of a different metal from the tubing, selected particularly'for protective resistance, as for examp1e, special fire resistant iron, steel, steel alloy, or other suitable metal. These fins may be applied to a single coil in any desired number or on any desired spacing. In Fig. 1'7 is shown one fin on-the outer front of eachcoil directly exposed to the fire, with the long jackets 3Ib protecting the tubing of coils 22a in its most exposed portions, and on :the opposite, or back side of the coil, a second fin. This second fin, because of its less exposed location away from the fire and the'more distant and'protected position of the tubing in relation to the fire, is provided with much shorter securing arms or jackets am, as indicated, so as to maintain the highest conductivity of fthe thinner tubing in theseportions of the coils. Further finscan beflattached at other points onthe sides of the coils if desired. It should be particularly noted that these novel fin forms serve a threefold purpose. First, as in the case of Fig. 17, they act as rigid spacers which hold the spaced'apart turns of the coil firmly in place so as toprevent them sagging and closing together. This isimportant where it is desired to tilt the coil over the fire as in the case of Fig. 17 and permit the combustion gases to circulate freely up through the coil at all points and com-' pletely'surround the various turns of the coil. Secondly, the fins serve as a quick heat absorber for distributing and equalizing the heat absorptionthroughout the several turns and absorbing the shock of the combustion attack, so adding greater efficiency to the heating while at the same time prolonging the life of the metal tube is w allssf Thirdly'yithe jacketfiormed:armymctai lically securing thezfinsrin'lplace" providwa-rmored multiewalled protectionrofithe: tubing, as already described;

Figs; 18, 19. and20 show azmodifiednform oi; the tubular unit 22; wherein: the tubularrframe 23' is formed: largely (or: if 1 desired; entirely) out of stampedsheet metal ratherthanioutiofimore ex:-: pensive. tubing or pipe; thereby cheapening the COStiOfTthGLfIEmG; tube Z'I'isshown-rormedrasiimtheaprevious frames and; preferably of :copper on copper :alloy while the uppermost? portions: of the. intake: tubes 23. are also:oftcregularlyrformedtubing; preferably also of'copper or copper alloy; which fit and *brazeiinto theremainingzstampedr and finnedsheet metal portion of thehframeiatt'43 The :uppermostiportions 'ofitubes 123 and :21 are brazed into the welding collar connectiorrr33yas heretoforeidescribed,

for welding-the'zframe tot'the:crownsheet atsits connection. into same; but inzthisinstance I show airiatternatei-formioi. shaping. .or: deforming these tubes: and" fitting them; into their: passageway throughxthei'colla-r 33; ashettershown in the cross sectional Fig.- 19. h's'willabeinetedgirr thisinstance, theicentralvtube: 2] J Wfi1iCh';iDLi its/other portions is! normally .round; is sflattened :on its two .sides as itiapproaches sandpasses: intoithe collar 33 :while thestwor intake tubess23eare flattenedon their sidecadja'centrto thectuber 21' so that the'three 5,;

tubes-enter; andifllllrthea-collartfl as noted, their outerradjacent surfaces iandcthat of the welding collarz 33lbeingsalt tightly -united by. the brazing 345 as: heretofore set? forth.v The tubes 23 I are shapedz to: fitxiinto :the a flanged: or finned sheet metal 1 tubes; 44' whichtithey: enter at the? points 43; :a'rrd'zproieotfinto:aefewzinchess:as noted. The joint; SOZ formed. is i interiorly: brazed I while. ex-' teriorlythenstrap 38 passing RJYOHIIdILthB GHbE 2F! andrivetedito thefianged'tube 44 on both sides, as: noted; is? also: brazed: to: thee exterior of the flanged tubes- 443 and; theioutletitiiberl'lp The fiazrgedatubecfl 'eisriormediof:flat'sheetmetalof i a gauge: adequatelyr heavy to furnish: the" proper strength; resistanceiandsdmability; for the purpose :foiewhic'hiit isaito serves Itisstamped out in.zsectionsg .inithisscasaifiire teach for its two ppposing sides; as noted andothese are buttljointed under: tworouter rem-bracing: stamped metal fish platesa45l' which :areirivetediover and onlthe abut tinge-joints; and subsequently brazed inithe gene erazl brazing operationitofwliichlthe whole-frame iswsubjectedxwhemfinally;assembled linto azcomplete unit; This cambe. done imaccordancewith my brazirrg-,-Patent it.lg930,285; .issued,;October:'10,

1933. Thepintake-holessfor the-ccormection of fthe batteryacoi-lsfia;at-24z arePstam-pediintdthe sheet metal forming: the, half orrside onpwhich these are received andiover thesezholes, and coincident therewith; are; riveted; the crossnbands receiving connections 48 whichzcanz bescast; wrought or forged, but .are preferably; stamped an-drdrawn'not heavy-sheet so :as to form then-receiving :housing connection at 2;4--into which thevends oi the .coils Harare slippedpriorto brazing. Theconnections 46;: are rivetedito the flanged members. so: as to temporarily; hold same-and the opposed flanged members 44+together-and the severalmembersare all completely; metallically'and,molecularly united thereaiter inthe brazing process: following: the generalassemblages The: forming: of 5 the unit 2am thisway-not1=only permitsa cheap; stamping fabrication ofparts butalsoiorms then-heat absorbing fins-25rof:-.Eig5. 3; 4,15, etc., integralwith the preheatingetubul'ar frameand producesiawery In thisrinstance the outlet 2d strong-rand? rigid frameufor resisting sagging; and" distortion under-weight and heat: Still more'iimportant, however; itrpermits of a varied and novel combination of metals which I make zto meetdife ferent demands *onltheunit'in its different :parts: Thus for example, whenut'is desired, Iz'makethe sideof 44 to be. exposed nearest the fire; dess ignated Main Fig; 20; of tougher metal suchzaas speciallysuitediron; steel or'rsteel alloy designed to resist shock, corrosion, oxidation and deteriora; tion-frommore severe contact withithe: fire and combustion gases to which it is more directlyexe posed, while on the opposite'or back'side'which is: accordingly more: protected from this attack; loan use'heavy-copper-sheet orcopper alloysheet for*this-. .member bywhich is a much more effitcient heat conductor :although' somewhat vulneraable to deterioration; if. it? were subjected tot'the attack from which; however; it is protected. by the tough steel facing-44a: when desired, under this arrangement the back'member 4417. can i have .its terminal ends extended outwardfina sing1eaex= posedland unprotectedvfiniedge 44c for greater heatiabsorption, the ultimate deterioration of; this edge not beingof vital importance; to the life and stability ofthe tubezitself; The several members are: all tightly and integrally nnitedby. the brazing -34,.as noted, the brazing-being preferably: of metal-of high heat-conductivity. When this extra: protection against ideterioration' under'fire exposure isnot-required, .both sidesa44a and 44b of the formedutube 44 can'rbezzmade of sheet'copper or copper alloyyorother; desirable-high heat coonductive metal. On the other'hand when still greaterv protectioncis rdesired; both sides 44a: and

Mlbzcan be stampedzfrom'isteel', steel alloy or other desirable metal ofiering highxresistance qualities to .deteriorationunder such exposure. The same considerations applyto' the selection-of metal for 't the-connection straps46 andralso 30-, etc., and the splice plates, 45-andsthis also holds for the tubes 23.;and-12'l; The wall gauge of these metals will alsotbedeterminedby. the-service desired, it being borne'in mind that: the thinner gauge. presents greater-heating efficiency, and the heavier gauge; longer liieforrthe metals When desired, mycoils 22acan-also be'IfOlmEld of built-up'tubing similar: torthe. tubing "M; and. Fig; 20; i I

Ila-Fig. 21 1s shown anaa'lternate construction forsthe frame-:44; thepurposeaofiwhich is to give still greater heating efficiency; In this" instance, the: opposing: sheet metal .sidermembers 44a and 44b -have: inserted: between ath'em the sheet metal strips Md, of'eoppenor other high heat conducting; metals Onatheouter edges of. the formed tubes these members 1 44d". form a projecting heat absorbingfinrwhile inwardly they project into the water carried :through: the-tube: so as to conduct the; heat directlyvintorsame and give a largerheat radiating area directly-within theiwater which it'preheatszr Atthepsame. time, by making the tube quite rnarrowz inzone: direction and-wide in the wopposite'idirection,.asxindicated', the preheat ingwater'isvgivenfa largeiheatingrcontact in relation'toitszdepth, onitheccontainingwalls-44a and 441), thus making a, highly? efficient preheating tube. In this. arrangement also, the walls 1 44aandf44'bicanrbe: eitherrsteel .or-copper:or the combination of same: but .in this: instance 1 if 1 they are bothisteelor-zless efficient-conducting metal, the heat absorbing efiiciency of the tube'is still maintained to a high degreeowing. to the insert copper conductorss44dc In:Fig'. 22,wisrshown.armodified:form of metal fin,,similar; tojthatcofi Figs. 3b of particular use 21' for attaching to thetubing of'the coils 22a. and especially their lower or bottom exposed section or turn, as well as tubular frame members such as 23 of Fig. 4, etc. This fin member is stamped out of plain sheet metal and folded after the manner of 3lc of Fig. 17a. In this instance the stamped out arms 25a are made to fold and clinch on the tubing 22b longitudinally after the manner of Fig. 3b. The arms 25a in this case, however, in contrast to those of Fig. 3b, are not cut away, down to the fin proper, butonly part way, as shown, so as to leave the sheet metal to cover the bottom and lower sides of the tubing 22?) for an extra protective wall. After this fin member is clinched on to the tube member 2212 it is metallically united to the tube at 22d in the brazing bath so that the tube becomes a multi-walled and finned tube with single wall exposed portions in more protected spots for the quicker absorption of heat at such points. In the case of coiled tubular forms the fin is preferably brazed on the tube before coiling, the tube thereafter being formed to its own intended curvatures. In Fig. 20, a fin of this type is shown attached to the tubing 2211,

but the fin member in that case has still a further improvement in having extended winged fin 4'! bent out between the arms 25a. to form protective and heat absorbing side fins on both sides of the tube instead of this metal being cut away in stamping the sheet, as in the case of Fig. 22.

In Fig. 23, is shown still another modified form of protective jacket and firming for the coil or other heat absorbing tubing. This, also, is stamped from fiat sheet metal and is clinched around the tubes by means of the stamped out arms 25a, the opposing walls of the tube jacket being then brazed together throughout in the brazing bath, to form a solid metal integral wall throughout same, as in the case of Fig. 22, etc.' The side fins 41 are bent outward, the same as in Fig. 20, but in this instance the bottom fin is omitted. The tube 221) is thus given a multiwalled structure united throughout by the brazing 22d, while the side fins 41 are heat absorbing elements as well as protecting the single walled portions of 22b, exposed for rap-id heat absorption above same. As in the case of Figs. 3a, 3b, 1'? and 17a, 20 and 22, the metal of the, jacket or finned protective element may be the same as, or different from that of the'tube to which it is metallically united, thus permittinga novel and varied combination of physical properties most suited to the situation as already previously dwelt In Fig. 24, is shown another modified form of carrying my quick heating and pre-steaming coil batteries in the firebox. In this instance the coils nect through and join with the crownsheet 4 through my special overhead welding collar conneotion 33, brazed or otherwise metallically joined to 38b and welded to the overhead crownsheet 4, at 31, on the offset rim 36. This permits the feeding and circulation of the hot water from the uppermost portion ofthe water chamber to the coils as distinct from the arrangement of Fig. 11. After the water fed from the tube 38a is fur- .ther heated inthecoils 22a, it passes as water-or steam, as the case may be, into the manifold tubular receiving tube 21, to which the coils are connected as noted, and passes into the upper portion of the water jacket through the opening 29, in the case of hot water, or directly into the steam chamber 2, through the vent 28 when steam is generated. The tube 21 is similarly provided with my welding frame collar connection 33 into which it is brazed for welded connection with the crownsheet 4, as already described.

In Fig. 25, is shown by somewhat diagrammatic plan, a modified form of my tubular battery frame for use in small heating plants for domestic purposes and the like, generally provided with a small firebox with a round Stoker firepot therein, as indicated. For this purpose I provide the framed units 22 with curving instead of straight supporting frames of the type of Figs. 4, 5, 6, '7, etc. In this way the batteries may be hung on both sides of the round firepot with the coils uniformly spaced in relation thereto so as to absorb a maximum amount of heat while being close to the fire core and spaced away from the chilling water jacket. These curved frames can be used to advantage in various similar or other varied combinations in large fireboxes as well and so have a great variety of application in carrying out the many possibilities of my invention.

. In Fig. 26, is shown a further modified form of one of my battery frame units 22 in which the coils 22a are carried in a double row on the tubular frame 23. The frame in this case is similar to the previous structure with the exception that the tubular member 23 branches at the base at either end to form two spaced apart longitudinal supporting tubes 2311, instead of the single central base supporting tube 23 used in the previous forms. The base is rectangular in shape and it is connected by two vertical tubes to an inverted T-shaped stem connected to the crown sheet after the manner of the typical frames 23'. This frame, supporting two rows of multiple batteries 22 opposite each other, can be suspended from the crownsheet in desired position in the firebox, as in the case of the somewhat similar frame of Fig. 17, but it is particularly suited to suspending directly above the core of the fire corresponding to the setup of Figs. 11 and 12, or the central frame of Fig. 16, the coils in such case being spaced from the fire bed and the main core of the combustion at a sufiicient distance so as not to seriously interfere with the proper completion of the combustion in the firebox, while at the same time being as close to same as possible for a maximum absorption of heat. The two longitudinal side tubes 23d which are connected at their ends by the transfer tubes 2%, which in turn connect by T- s 23 or other equivalent means, into the regular vertical side tubes 23, are normally straight tubes in either parallel or converging position, but where it is desired to obtain the benefits of the frame arrangement shown in Fig. 25, as in the case of a small firebox or one with a circular stoker firepot, the two base tubes 23d, can be curved away'from each other so as to obtain the same effect in a single frame unit 22 as the two frame units 22 of Fig. 25. This single frame with its curved base can be thus suspended directly above the firepot 8. Still further, if desired, the tubes 23c may be omitted and the tubes 2311 can be curved to form a circular supporting base to connect directly into the two end Ts 23]. It will be understood that in all of these curved tubular bases the equivalent of same is obtainable by assembling short lengths .of straight tubing with :secmme 23 angled iconnectionsasoiasto'iormaaapo gonatbase equivalent to: the ouryilineal :base andzinirecierring to;the.-ourvedzbasettubes, either circular; oysil;.:or tiles-like; theterm:isdntendedztoiembrace; as well, a polygonal tubula-ribase servingrsubsta'ntially the same purpose. Eitherzoneor. the other form may iblefils'fid'tubest-'slJit'the: fabricationrfacilities; costs, 18120,

I-n-;Figs; 27$ and 28; is:.shown a modified-form of coil having the longrand-inarrow'pmp rtion, particularly. preferred (in my I coil f design. but havingzxthe sides? stepped 015 sloped .tinwardly solthat when? suspended above the ifire or rising: combustion: gases; the respective turns are not" haiiled rf-romabeneath but; on the contrary, each individual turnismore completely'exposed to th'e ascending burning gases and: the projected heat waves; Inithis case, as noted; thE CQflS EHE shown "with cross fins; which-fin the-coils -both inside and' out, :and such-finnin'g can be applied to any of my coils. They: are preferably stampedfrom sheetim'etal i n halves as indicated without-turned feet--49; 'Ihe opposing halves of thesefins so formedare placed at thedesired points opposite 'each other on' the inside'and'outside'of the coil and their ends riveted; clipped; or interlocked-together so as to firmly gripthe several" turns of the tubing with theextending feet 48- fitting against the' tubes on both-sides and becoming bra-zed to same at these contacting points "hr-the brazing bath to whichthe coil 1 when assembled issubjecte'd. The bottom'turn of the coil,-as indicated; oranyor all of the respective turns-may be=' further-' protected by my special fins'disposed longitudinally of the" tubing in the form indioated in Fig. 29, or in any of the formsalready noted Y or equivalents of same, for" absorbing and distributing additional'heat as well asprotecting the-tubing; as heretoforedescribed:

Thetubingfofthe'coil also'may; be'multi-walled throughout for special protection and longer life when so desired, or, as indicatedin Figs. 27'and 28; only-portionsof each turn-may floc-socon=- structedfor specific protection of the exposed parts; overhanging or tilting over' the fire and 'moreseverely exposed to'the more-direct fire attack; In the' coil of Fig. 27,- the-righ-than'd end of the coil, being-soexposed in the'firebox; has those portions of each turn andlikewisethe length-of the bottom-turn so armoredwithmultiwalled construction, as noted; As a particular feature of -this-multi-watlled construction; in this casethe thickness of thewall protection is varied for :difierentturns of the'coil in relation to their distance from the lire or their particular exposureto'fire attack." Thusthefgauge of'the metal forming the outer wall or jacket for the tubing of 'the lowest turn A, soprotected, is of" heavier gauge-than that of B; that of B heavier than that -of C; and that of C heavier thantha-t'ofD, etc. The multi-wall 222: 'is' formed and" metal-lically. united' to the tub'ing 22 b; this case, in the manner shown in Fig. 2'9',- but this can be done after the' manner of 'Fig. 3a,- or'the varieus-modi fied forms o'f Figs. 17 and 17a, Figs; 22; 23; -etc.-, and 'the tubes can be-completely-covered circumferentia'lly or onlypartlyprotected and on' their directly exposed faces *along the lengths 0f-these armored sections, the modified forms-permitting the selection of any such degree of"protection"desired-. lt'should beunderstood; however; that in all cases the outer wall 2 2011 12.? be ter-med an "the'dnnerfwall 22b either as a separatetube sec tion'.pulled -over: same-in Fig; 3a, ora sheet wrappingiabouttsame after the-manner ofFig: 29,

24 oneveniezidiagonalfstrrpnwinding camhetemployed, thevhra-zingr bath in all. cases unitingthereontacting adjacent: metallic: surfaces: :into: a 'molecularly'joinectiunit throughout.

In. Eigz. *28, the. multiewalled. construction, 'whetl'rersextending the entire lengthof theituhing or:onlyorenselectedzportions. is-iformedby wrap ping. the tubing. 2211 with sheet .metal 22c and brazing: the. contacting: surfaces in any: desired way'butzpmferablydn accordance with my brazing process setforth in' my: loeioreririe:rtioned-l- Patent No...1,930;285', issued October 10,- 1933'? It will be noted in: this "instance that-the exterior metal wrapping .22'c'is so arranged as-to-pre'ferably lap onthe 'bottom of the'tubewhere 'th'e fire-'aitt'ack ismost severe so as togive a-doubled protection at a this point. This 'particulararrangement-tor this purpose can be locatedon any si'de -of' the tube'which receives the brunt of the"lire attack. Also :byextendingthe sheet-"metal wrapping 22b outward at its edge', a heat absorbing; distributing andproteotive metal fin 5 ll is formed integral with the tube'structure: Thiscan=be= provided on the bottom turn of-thecoil; as indicated in Figs '27 and 28'; or itmay-be providedon' each of the turns'B; C' and D as well as A The'sheet metahwrapping Zia-is held in position by the metal tie bands-fil; which-clinch-aroundthe tub"- ing; after it has been -'wrapped in place, at suitable spaced apart" intervals and become" brazed integrally-therewithin the brazingprocessr The tubing 2% mayhe reetangularlyshaped asindi catedin Figs; 27, 28-and 29, for particular quick heating advantages, or maybe 'roundorany-other desired shape; while the wrapping sheet. 220 "for same may be of the' same metalasthetube; as for examplecopper; or forgreater protection whe'n'so wanted; the sheet metal may'be'ofiron, steel,- ors'spe'cial alloys giving-a maximumzprotec- "tion a-nd metal"longevityagainst"the.fire...attack.

In Fig; 30,; a modified former-the mult'iswalled protection ofmy heating, coils is'indicated; In this case'theseverely exposed portions of .the tub?- ing 22b of the coils-are metallized; by' spraying onto" theseportion's; whiletmolten, a .metal have inghighprotectiveproperties for resisting the fire attack; etc: In thisway a copper tube 2212' can bearmoredat the desiredpoints with an integral- 1y united exteriortwallof iron, steel; or all-0y, on the particularly exposed portion while the. remaining portiomis left with the copper exposed formax'imum heat conductivity. In view oithis combination of thicknesses and metals, a lighter walled tube canbe used throughout...giving thereby an-increasedheating efliciency on those areas'which do not'needto 'beprot'ected. Alsothe sprayed meta-l when" desired can be" ofcopperior the sameesthe tubingiformaximum heat absorption, the protection in such caset'being in the'extra thickness-of wall metalatit'hese points ofparticu'lar attack.

In utilizing this novehmulti-walld oons'trucrtionpf'the coilof Figs. 27 and28, the lowerturn Aispreferably given a maximumof metal thick:- ness, indicated by'the dotted line 22c=a',ofFig. 30, whilethe multi wall protected portion of the upper tiirn D is given-a thinner wall-protection 2 20-11; The i-ntermediate protected turns-'Band C', are given correspondingly intermediate thicknessesrespectively so that the-protective metal is 'su'itablygra'duated from the'thickest tot'hetl'iinnestle/yer in relation'to' its position,- and this protectivemetalc-anbe disposed on them'ost exposed faces: Thetubing can be A so metallically built upafter-heing coiledwhenthe portionsto beso treated are suitably accessible, but in other cases the tubing can be so built up at predetermined points while in the straight and subsequently coiled, shaped, or fabricated.

In conclusion; it will be understood that the shape, materials, arrangement, location, and connections of my preheating or .pre-steaming units may be varied at will, as desired, to meet conditions, and for either a steam or hot water plant, and for boilers of whatever design and construction; also that while one of the particular features of my invention is to facilitate the presteaming of a boiler without raising the main body of water of its water compartment to the steaming point, my quick heating battery units are equally serviceable in not Water systems where they serve to more quickly heat the water for circulation through the circulating heating system.

While I have shown and described my invention in preferred form, I am aware that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the principles and spirit of my invention and I reserve the right to make all such variations as fairly fall within the scope of the following claims.

I claim as my invention:

1. In combination in a heating plant having a firebox with a crown-sheet and a water jacket, at least one stirrup-like tubular frame suspended from said crownsheet and operatively connected with said water jacket and a battery of spaced apart tubular heating elements supported on said frame and operatively connected with said frame and water jacket.

2. In combination in a heating plant having a firebox with a water jacket and a stoker with a firepot substantially spaced away from the sides of the water jacket, a plurality of batteries of tubular heating and circulating elements disposed substantially above but otherwise adjacent and extending substantially along at least three sides of said firepot and operatively connected with said water jacket through header like portions.

3. In combination with a tubular water preheating frame having a single connection for attachment and operative entrance to the water jacket of the firebox of a heating plant, a plurality of coils mounted on said frame and serving to circulate water from said pre-heating frame to and through said single connection.

4. In combination with a tubular water preheating frame having at least one connection suitable for attachment and entrance to the water jacket of a firebox of a heating plant and interiorly divided for both receiving and returning water through said connection, a plurality of water circulating elements mounted on said frame and serving to circulate water from said tubular frame to and through said connection.

5. In combination with a, heating plant having a combustion chamber and a water and steam chamber, a battery of tubular water circulating and heating elements having a common connection with said water and steam chamber including a tubular extension arranged to project above the water level therein and discharge steam above said water and having an opening below said water 26 level for circulating water when steam is not being discharged.

6. In combination in a heating plant having a combustion chamber and a water jacket, at least one tubular frame operatively connected to the water jacket, sai frame having a battery of tubular water circulating and heating coils operatively connected to said frame, including coils shaped long and relatively narrow in plan and having their respective longitudinal axes disposed diagonally to the longitudinal axis of said frame and their respective upright axes inclined from the vertical.

7. In combination in a heating plant having a combustion chamber and a water jacket, header like portions arranged in the combustion chamber and connected to and communicating with said water jacket, a battery of tubular water circulating and heating coils operatively connected to said header portions including coils so disposed that the upright planes cutting their longitudinal and transverse axes, respectively, are both inclined from the vertical when the coils are positioned in said combustion chamber.

8. In combination in a heating plant having a firebox with a water jacket and a stoker with a firepot, a plurality of batteries of tubular heating and circulating elements disposed substantially above but otherwise adjacent and extending substantially along at least three sides of said firepot and operatively connected with said water jacket through header like portions and means for controlling and varying the path'of the combustion gases within said firebox in relation to said batteries.

ROY H. ROBINSON.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 628,344 Millar July 4, 1899 743,825 Burger et al Nov. 10, 1903 1,103,630 Stewart July 14, 1914 1,178,704 Berry Apr. 11, 1916 1,288,480 Benjamin Dec. 24, 1918 1,311,702 Mathis July 29, 1919 1,357,493 Foster Nov. 2, 1920 1,359,916 Primrose Nov. 23, 1920 1,466,278 Forward Aug. 28, 1923 1,554,546 Austin Sept. 22, 1925 1,577,838 MacLean Mar. 23, 1926 1,701,256 Brown Feb. 5, 1929 1,756,387 Ronk Apr. 29, 1930 1,838,105 Murray Dec. 29, 1931 1,843,790 Snow et al Feb. 2, 1932 1,991,904 Martin, Jr Feb. 19, 1935 1,996,105 Gates Apr. 2, 1935 2,016,276 Crosiar Oct. 8, 1935 2,029,437 Murray Feb. 4, 1936 2,167,285 Smith July 25, 1939 2,182,552 Elsby Dec. 5, 1939 2,224,346 Hobrock Dec. 10, 1940 2,291,921 Robinson Aug. 4, 1942 

